Payroll Operations Lead

On-Site in Houston,Texas
Full-Time | $135-$145k, depending on experience

We're seeking an experienced Payroll Operations Lead to oversee payroll delivery through an outsourced payroll provider while serving as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and vendor partners.

This role is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, validating payroll calculations, managing vendor performance, supporting system testing, and driving resolution of payroll discrepancies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day relationship with the outsourced payroll provider.
• Validate payroll calculations, taxes, deductions, and net pay.
• Investigate payroll issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and manual payroll validations.
• Partner with HR, Finance, HRIS, and payroll tax teams to ensure accurate payroll outcomes.
• Support payroll system testing, UAT, and payroll-related projects.
• Assist with year-end reporting, including W-2 and T4 validation.
• Identify process improvements and drive operational efficiencies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of payroll experience.
• Experience working with outsourced or managed payroll providers.
• Strong multi-state U.S. payroll knowledge; Canadian payroll exposure preferred.
• Advanced understanding of payroll calculations and payroll tax structures.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, SAP, ADP, UKG, or similar.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.